The previous president, Maureen Feeney, had started the investigation. The council had no mechanism in place to deal with a member under indictment but not convicted of a crime. Turner likened this, in his kindest phrasing, as a trial and witch hunt, instead of an inquiry into process and possibility.

Feeney had also stripped Turner of his committee chairmanship. Ross said he'd continue that suspension, but allow Turner to keep participating in council and committee business otherwise.